Schuman bread festival: a neighbourhood party in the heart of EU district

The smell of freshly baked bread, be it Italian focaccia, crusty French baguette or Irish soda bread, is enough to encourage a stampede among salivating foodies. This will be the expected scene this Saturday, 28 May, in the heart of the EU quarter at the Schuman roundabout - which plays host the now annual Fête du Pain bread festival. It is happening simultaneously with Europe Day when the EU institutions open their doors to public, with up to 10,000 visitors expected.

“We, a group of neighbours are using that day to organise a big party in the centre of the Rond-Point Schuman and everyone is invited,” says Marion Wolfers of Schuman Square, a local initiative created to transform the image of the long-neglected central space in the middle of one of Brussels busiest traffic junctions.

Bakery

This fourth annual edition will see for the first time the installation of a bakery under a translucent structure that will generate a relaxed, cosy, village-like vibe that greatly contrasts to the regular hectic Schuman scene of stressed Eurocrats rushing between meetings and screeching car horns from bumper-to-bumper traffic.

"Several well known bakers will be baking bread on the spot," says Wolfers. "Visitors will be invited to take baking lessons, to taste various products and learn how bread can accompany various specialities."

Producers representing various EU countries, including Belgium, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Germany, have been invited to present some of their best speciality products. Local neighbourhood producers and restaurants will also be present.

There is also the opportunity to taste Babylone - a beer made from bread, created by the Brussels Beer Project. Dancers and musicians have been invited to participate - as well as a gardener who will inform people on edible plants.

Graffiti art

Next to the roundabout, the now-vacant space between the EU Council and Commission buildings, long blemished by building works, will be transformed into an art fair. Brussels graffiti artist Charles Hargrove, better known as Kool Koor, will be working in front of visitors on two canvases both 20 metres long. "It will be a showcase of what can be done in future for this space," adds Wolfers.

Children are not forgotten - as the other side of the roundabout will host children's games and activities. "It is a neighbourhood party so we asked have everyone to participate," says Wolfers, who added that the main EU institutions based by the roundabout, the Commission, Council and External Action Service all helped to make the event possible.

The Fête du Pain, Saturday 28 May 10.00–18.00 or later depending on weather